What are the definitions of “big up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Exaggerate the importance.
He BIGS himself UP all the time.
- 2Increase the size of muscles by exercise.
They work out a lot to BIG themselves UP.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “big up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb big up is to exaggerate the importance of something or someone, often to make oneself or others appear more impressive or important. It can also mean to praise or promote someone or something.
What are the different verb forms of “big up”?
| Root Verb | big up |
| Third Person Singular Present | bigs up |
| Present Participle | bigging up |
| Simple Past | bigged up |
| Past Participle | bigged up |
Example
He always bigs up his achievements to impress others.
Example
She bigs up her friends whenever they accomplish something.
Example
He is bigging up his team's performance in the competition.
Example
Yesterday, they bigged up their favorite band at the concert.
Example
The artist's work was bigged up by the critics.
What kind of phrasal verb is “big up”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“big up” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He bigged up his accomplishments.
Example
She bigs up her friends' achievements.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“big up” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He bigged up his accomplishments.
Example
She bigs up her friends' achievements.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “big up”?
Good things to know
Does “big up” have an informal or formal tone?
Big up is considered informal and is mostly used in casual conversations or informal settings. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional situations.
